In Midst of Review, Cuomo Visits Marcellus Shale Country

With the state potentially in the homestretch of its lengthy review of hydrofracking, Gov. Andrew Cuomo traveled to the heart of the Marcellus Shale for an update on the Southern Tier’s economic-development plan.

Cuomo was asked by reporters in Binghamton about the state of New York’s decision-making process on hydrofracking, a technique in which chemicals, sand and high volumes of water are used to unlock gas from underground shale formations.

“That’s the first question I’ve ever been asked about that,” Cuomo joked when the topic was first broached by a reporter. “Novel.”

Cuomo mainly repeated a similar refrain on fracking, calling for the state’s review to focus on science rather than emotion.

Here’s what he had to say:

“It’s a big decision for the state and obviously there’s a lot of controversy about it and people have very strong feelings on both sides of it. We’re discussing the positives to the economy, the job creation at the same time with possible consequences to the environment.

“It’s a big issue, big decision, big consequences on both sides. We want to make sure that we’re thorough. We want to make sure we have all the facts, we do all the research, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We have a great team of government professionals, outside experts making sure that we have all the information, all of the facts and then let’s make a decision based on the facts. There’s a lot of emotion — I understand that.

“I’ve heard the emotion from both sides of the argument. Let’s make a decision on the facts, not the emotion, and that’s what we’re going through right now.”

High-volume hydrofracking has been on hold in New York since July 2008 as the state makes its way through several layers of review and rule-making. A decision by the state Department of Environmental Conservation to seek a 90-day extension on its proposed rules has been interpreted by some as a sign the state may soon make a decision.